How to File for Divorce in USA State-by-State Guide

Filing for divorce in the USA involves state-specific rules and legal processes. This guide will take you through the divorce filing process, providing key details on residency requirements, grounds for divorce, fees, and timelines for each state.

General Divorce Process in the U.S.

While each state has its own divorce laws, the general filing process remains consistent across the country:

1. Meet Residency Requirements: Ensure that either you or your spouse meets the state’s residency criteria, which can range from 3 to 12 months.
   
2. Determine Grounds for Divorce: Most states offer no-fault divorce, but fault-based divorces are also available in certain states (e.g., adultery, cruelty).
   
3. File the Petition: Submit your divorce petition to the appropriate court.
   
4. Serve Divorce Papers: Legally notify your spouse of the divorce filing.
   
5. Response from the Spouse: Your spouse must respond within a specified time frame.
   
6. Negotiate Terms: This includes asset division, alimony, child custody, and support.
   
7. Final Judgment: The court issues a final decree of divorce.

State-Specific Divorce Requirements

Below is a breakdown of the divorce requirements by state.

Northeast States

• New York:
  
  • Residency: 2 years
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Waiting Period: None
    
• Connecticut:
  
  • Residency: 1 year
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Waiting Period: 90 days
    
• Massachusetts:
  
  • Residency: 1 year
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Waiting Period: 120 days

Southern States

• Texas:
  
  • Residency: 6 months (state); 90 days (county)
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Waiting Period: 60 days
    
• Florida:
  
  • Residency: 6 months
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Waiting Period: 20 days
    
• Oklahoma:
  
  • Residency: 6 months
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Waiting Period: 10 days
    
  • Special Rules: SB 1958 may require fault proof.

Midwest States

• Illinois:
  
  • Residency: 90 days
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $337
    
  • Processing Time: 6 months
    
• Missouri:
  
  • Residency: 90 days
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Waiting Period: 30 days
    
• Ohio:
  
  • Residency: 6 months
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Waiting Period: 30–90 days

Western States

• California:
  
  • Residency: 6 months (state); 3 months (county)
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Waiting Period: 6 months
    
• Nevada:
  
  • Residency: 6 weeks
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $289
    
  • Processing Time: 42 days
    
• Arizona:
  
  • Residency: 90 days
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Special Rules: “Covenant marriage” option available

Related article: How Much Does It Cost to Get a Divorce If Both Parties Agree? Uncontested Divorce

Additional States

• Alabama:
  
  • Residency: 6 months
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Waiting Period: 30 days
    
• Alaska:
  
  • Residency: No minimum residency required
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $200
    
  • Processing Time: 30 days
    
• Arizona:
  
  • Residency: 90 days
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $321
    
  • Processing Time: 150 days
    
• Colorado:
  
  • Residency: 90 days
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $230
    
  • Processing Time: 6 months
    
• Delaware:
  
  • Residency: 6 months
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Waiting Period: 60 days
    
• Georgia:
  
  • Residency: 6 months
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $218
    
  • Processing Time: 7 months
    
• Hawaii:
  
  • Residency: 6 months
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Waiting Period: 60 days
    
• Idaho:
  
  • Residency: 6 weeks
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $154–$207
    
  • Processing Time: 2 months
    
• Indiana:
  
  • Residency: 6 months
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $177
    
  • Processing Time: 8 months
    
• Iowa:
  
  • Residency: 1 year
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $185
    
  • Processing Time: 3 months
    
• Kansas:
  
  • Residency: 60 days
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $180
    
  • Processing Time: 4 months
    
• Kentucky:
  
  • Residency: 180 days
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $148
    
  • Processing Time: 6 months
    
• Louisiana:
  
  • Residency: 1 year
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Waiting Period: 180 days
    
• Maine:
  
  • Residency: 6 months
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $120
    
  • Processing Time: 2 months
    
• Maryland:
  
  • Residency: 1 year
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $135
    
  • Processing Time: 1 year
    
• Massachusetts:
  
  • Residency: 1 year
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $215
    
  • Processing Time: 4 months
    
• Michigan:
  
  • Residency: 6 months
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $150
    
  • Processing Time: 8 months
    
• Minnesota:
  
  • Residency: 180 days
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $402
    
  • Processing Time: 6 months
    
• Mississippi:
  
  • Residency: 6 months
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $52
    
  • Processing Time: 8 months
    
• Montana:
  
  • Residency: 90 days
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Waiting Period: 90 days
    
• Nebraska:
  
  • Residency: 1 year
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $157
    
  • Processing Time: 14 months
    
• Nevada:
  
  • Residency: 6 weeks
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $289
    
  • Processing Time: 42 days
    
• New Hampshire:
  
  • Residency: 1 year
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $180
    
  • Processing Time: No minimum
    
• New Jersey:
  
  • Residency: 1 year
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $250
    
  • Processing Time: 1 year
    
• New Mexico:
  
  • Residency: 6 months
    
  • Grounds: No-fault and fault-based divorce available
    
  • Filing Fees: $137
    
  • Processing Time: 6 months

Costs, Timelines & Legal Strategies

Fees:

• Court Filing: $200–$500
  
• Attorney Fees: Uncontested divorce: $3,000; Contested divorce: $15,000+
  

Timelines:

• Uncontested Divorce: 1–3 months (NV, AK)
  
• Contested Divorce: 6–18 months (CA, NY)

Saving Strategies:

• Mediation: Costs between $500–$1,500 and can help avoid court.
  
• Collaborative Divorce: Team-based negotiations that take 3–9 months on average.

Emerging Trends & Warnings

• No-Fault Divorce Restrictions: Some states like Oklahoma and Texas are considering limiting no-fault divorces.
  
• Federal Intervention: Proposed federal standards for custody and alimony could override state laws.
  
• Digital Security: If facing coercion, make sure to use encrypted platforms for filing documents and protect your privacy.

Conclusion

Filing for divorce requires careful attention to state-specific residency rules, legal requirements, and financial considerations. With new trends emerging and potential federal reforms on the horizon, staying informed is essential. Each state has unique provisions, but understanding the general divorce process and researching local laws will help you navigate the system more effectively. Be sure to consult an attorney, especially for custody and asset disputes, to ensure that your rights are protected.